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A good word for Whitfield

Editor, The Commercial:

I am pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Humphrey and am writing this letter in support of my good friend Ivan Whitfield, who is the assistant chief of the Pine Bluff Police Department and currently in pursuit of becoming the next county judge of Jefferson County.

Over a year ago, Assistant Chief Whitfield ran for this position but surprisingly lost in the runoff election by a very small number of votes. When I was informed of the outcome of the election, I was utterly shocked. As I continued to reflect about the particulars of the race, the fact that he lost by only 75 votes never left my mind.

As many of you are aware, Whitfield has consistently and fervently gone above and beyond the call of duty to help people when they are in need. His main desire is to be of assistance. This aspiration to be of service was undoubtedly birthed by his humbled beginnings growing up in a large family of 13 in Helena, and further cultivated by serving as a deacon at his church, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

Although Whitfield can be characterized as determined and diligent, resilient cannot be left off the list. From patrolman to assistant chief, he has perpetually demonstrated that he has the ability, against the odds, to keep going. This character trait is definitely needed to move a community from surviving to thriving.

It is my prayer that this letter will speak to the heart of all the pastors and ministers in the cities of Jefferson County, so that in the spirit of togetherness, we will rally along with Assistant Chief Ivan Whitfield and make him county judge of Jefferson County.